Romanian startup Bonapp and Hungarian startup Munch have announced a merger to expand their efforts in reducing food waste across Central and Eastern Europe. The merger combines Munch’s operations in Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia with Bonapp’s presence in Romania, forming a unified platform with over 3.5 million app downloads and 6,000 partnered retail locations. The newly merged company now has a team of nearly 100 employees and is projected to generate €7.5 million in revenue in 2024.
Company background and funding
Bonapp was founded in late 2021 by Grégoire Vigroux, Diego Roy de Lachaise, and Luka Zivkovic. The company has raised €1.4 million in pre-seed funding from investors including Up Romania, Roca X, Early Game Ventures, Impact Ventures, and SeedBlink.
Munch was established in 2020 by Botond Zsoldos, Bence Zwecker, Albert Wettstein, and Kirill Perepelica. The startup’s latest funding round, a Series A in December 2023, raised an estimated €5 million to €10 million, led by Piton Capital. Additional investors included FJ Labs, Christopher Muhr (co-founder of Groupon), Kai Hansen (co-founder of Lieferando), Fiedler Capital, Silicon Gardens, Márton Szőke, Péter Záborszky, STRT Holding, and László Czirják.
Munch has previously expanded through a partnership with Czech food waste app Nesnězeno in 2022 and entered the Romanian market in 2024.
Impact of the merger
Both companies operate in the food waste reduction sector, connecting businesses with surplus food to consumers at discounted prices. The merger is expected to enhance market reach, improve operational efficiency, and increase collaboration with retailers.
With food waste being a significant environmental and economic issue, the combined platform is positioned to expand its services and strengthen its role in the region’s food waste reduction efforts. Further developments and potential expansions are expected in the coming months.
Bonapp and Munch will integrate their platforms, teams, and operations, creating a seamless experience for users and partners.
“Regarding the brand name, we are working with our teams to decide what new name will be best. We are working on the rebranding,” explains Gregoire Vigroux, founder of Bonapp.
“Our goal is to be the market leader and conquer more countries in CEE. We are eyeing Croatia next and we received good feedback from potential partners there,” mentioned Kirill Perepelica, Munch co-founder.
The co-founders are also having in consideration a new financing round to fuel their growth plans.
